Everything You Need to Know About the Call of Duty: Black Ops II Vengeance DLC
Released during the peak of Black Ops II’s legendary run, the Vengeance DLC pack stands as one of the most content-rich expansions in the franchise's history. Whether you are a competitive multiplayer fan or a die-hard Zombies survivor, Vengeance delivered some of the most memorable maps and innovative gameplay mechanics seen in the 2012–2013 season.
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of everything included in the Vengeance DLC. New Multiplayer Maps
The Vengeance pack added four distinct multiplayer maps, each catering to different playstyles and tactical approaches.
Cove: Set on a small, forgotten island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Cove is a tight, circular map. It’s a paradise for players who prefer close-quarters combat and rapid-fire engagements around the wreckage of a crashed smuggler’s jet.
Detour: Taking place on a destroyed suspension bridge high above the East River, Detour offers a unique verticality. With multiple levels—including the main road and lower maintenance catwalks—it’s a haven for snipers and players who enjoy flanking maneuvers.
Rush: This map is set in a colorful paintball course. It is fast, chaotic, and features many "pop-up" obstacles that provide minimal cover. Rush quickly became a fan favorite for objective-based modes like Hardpoint and Capture the Flag.
Uplink: A reimagining of the classic Black Ops map "Summit." While the layout remains largely the same, the snowy mountain aesthetic was replaced with a rainy, high-tech jungle facility in Myanmar. The Zombies Experience: "Buried"
For many players, the crown jewel of the Vengeance DLC is Buried. This Zombies map transports the "Victis" crew (Misty, Marlton, Stuhlinger, and Russman) to an underground, 1800s-style Western town buried beneath the earth in Africa. Key Features of Buried:
The Giant (Arthur): Unlike traditional zombies, the Giant is a massive NPC who helps the players. By feeding him candy or booze, he can build craftables, hold a crawler, or smash through barricades.
The Ray Gun Mark II: Vengeance introduced this powerful burst-fire evolution of the classic Ray Gun. While it debuted in Buried, owning the DLC also added the Mark II to the Mystery Box on every other Black Ops II Zombies map.
The Paralyzer: A unique Wonder Weapon that doesn't just kill zombies—it can also be used to hover and fly over obstacles, adding a new layer of movement to the game.
Leroy's Sweets & Booze: Managing the Giant’s behavior became a core strategy for high-round attempts. Why Vengeance Remains Iconic
Even years after the launch of Black Ops II, the Vengeance DLC is cited as a high point for the series. It balanced nostalgia (Uplink/Summit) with experimental new concepts (Buried’s friendly NPC and the Ray Gun Mark II). For players looking to experience the "Golden Era" of Call of Duty DLC, Vengeance is an essential chapter.
The Call of Duty: Black Ops II Vengeance DLC pack, originally released in mid-2013, was the third major expansion for the title. It launched first on Xbox 360 on July 2, 2013, followed by releases on PlayStation 3 and PC on August 1, 2013. DLC Content Overview
The Vengeance pack included four multiplayer maps and one Zombies adventure: JHG :: Review for Call of Duty®: Black Ops II - Vengeance
Released in 2013, the Vengeance DLC Call of Duty: Black Ops II
remains a standout map pack, largely credited with revitalizing the game's late-season meta and introducing one of the most mechanically unique Zombies experiences in the franchise Call of Duty Wiki | Fandom The Multiplayer Component
Vengeance provided a mix of experimental new layouts and a high-demand classic remake.
: Widely considered the "fan favorite" of the pack, this map is set in a vibrant paintball arena
. Its design emphasizes extreme close-quarters combat and fast-paced flanking maneuvers through inflatable bunkers and obstacles. : A total reimagining of the iconic Black Ops 1 map
. While the layout remains identical, the aesthetic shifted from a snowy Siberian peak to a high-tech facility in the rainy jungles of
: This map features a destroyed suspension bridge on the U.S. East Coast. It is unique for its verticality, forcing players to fight across two main levels: the rubble-strewn upper deck and the exposed iron underbelly of the bridge.
: Set on a tropical island in the Indian Ocean, players battle around the wreckage of a crashed jet. Its small, circular design creates "all-out conflict" with very little room for long-range camping. The Zombies Experience: "Buried" Call Of Duty Black Ops 2 II Vengeance Pack DLC ...
"Buried" is arguably the highlight of the DLC, taking players into an underground Old West mining town
. It is remembered for its high player freedom and experimental mechanics.
Released in 2013, the DLC is the third major expansion for Call of Duty: Black Ops II
. It is widely recognized for introducing some of the most creative content in the game's life cycle, including a fan-favorite Zombies map and a reimagined classic multiplayer arena. Key Features
The pack includes four multiplayer maps, one massive Zombies experience, and a bonus wonder weapon.
Released in the summer of 2013, was the third downloadable content (DLC) pack for Call of Duty: Black Ops II
, expanding both the competitive multiplayer and the fan-favorite Zombies mode. Multiplayer Maps
The pack introduced four distinct maps designed for various playstyles:
A small, tropical island in the Indian Ocean where players fight through the wreckage of a crashed airplane.
Set on a multi-level, destroyed suspension bridge above an East Coast waterway, focusing on long-range engagements and verticality.
A high-speed, close-quarters map set in a commercial paintball arena, complete with inflatable bunkers and fast-paced choke points. A futuristic re-imagining of , the iconic snowy map from the original , set in a high-tech facility in the jungles of Myanmar. Zombies: Buried The standout feature of Vengeance was
, a new Zombies experience set in an underground Old West mining town. It continued the story of the "Victis" crew and introduced several unique gameplay mechanics:
Title: Escalation and Evolution: An Analysis of the Call of Duty: Black Ops II Vengeance DLC Pack
Introduction
When Call of Duty: Black Ops II was released in 2012, it represented a significant paradigm shift for the franchise, introducing a futuristic setting, strike Force missions, and a branching narrative. However, the longevity of the title was heavily bolstered by its downloadable content (DLC) strategy. The third DLC pack, titled Vengeance, released in July 2013 for Xbox 360 and later for other platforms, stands as a quintessential example of post-launch support. It did not merely add content; it expanded the gameplay loop through diverse multiplayer environments and significantly deepened the lore of the Zombies mode. This paper examines the Vengeance DLC, analyzing its multiplayer map design, its impact on competitive play, and the narrative expansion provided by its Zombies component, "Buried."
The Multiplayer Experience: A Study in Verticality and Rhythm
The Vengeance pack introduced four multiplayer maps: Cove, Detour, Rush, and Uplink. Unlike previous map packs that often favored specific playstyles, Vengeance offered a balanced variety that catered to the game's "Pick 10" system and diverse player engagement styles.
The map Cove is a notable study in isolation and forced aggression. Set on a deserted tropical island, the map is small and symmetrical, designed specifically for fast-paced, close-quarters combat. By removing the complexity of vertical flanking routes found in other Black Ops II maps, Cove forced players into direct confrontations, making it an ideal arena for the popular "Gun Game" and "One in the Chamber" modes. It served as a sandbox for pure aiming skill, stripping away the tactical complexity of map knowledge to favor reflex.
In contrast, Detour introduced a complex, multi-level environment set on a destroyed bridge. This map highlighted the evolving design philosophy of the era, which emphasized verticality. The inclusion of a bridge repair vehicle offered a unique power position, but the map’s layout ensured that holding this position required team coordination rather than individual prowess. Detour rewarded strategic lane holding and long-range engagement, providing a necessary counterpoint to the frenzy of Cove.
Rush, perhaps the most unique addition, took place in a paintball facility. Visually distinct from the gritty warzones typical of the franchise, Rush utilized a speedball arena layout. Its tight corridors and asymmetric design made it a haven for submachine gun and shotgun users. The map’s design encouraged a high "time-to-kill" pace, where spawn trapping and rapid rotations were key. It demonstrated Treyarch's willingness to experiment with theme and tone, moving away from strict military realism toward arcade-like fun.
Finally, Uplink served as a reimagining of the fan-favorite map Summit from the original Black Ops. By relocating the alpine setting to a jungle research facility and adding a gondola system, Treyarch successfully blended nostalgia with the new movement mechanics of Black Ops II. The addition of the gondola provided a mobile piece of cover that changed the flow of the mid-map engagement, proving that remasters could evolve gameplay rather than simply updating graphics.
"Buried": The Pinnacle of Zombies Mechanics
While the multiplayer maps provided gameplay variety, the centerpiece of the Vengeance pack was undoubtedly the Zombies map, Buried. Set in an underground Old West town, this map is widely regarded by the community as one of the best designed in the entire Aether storyline due to its atmosphere and mechanical innovations. Everything You Need to Know About the Call
Narratively, "Buried" continued the journey of the original four characters (Richtofen, Dempsey, Takeo, and Nikolai) as they attempted to resolve the rift caused by the Moon rockets. The setting—a subterranean 19th-century mining town—created a claustrophobic yet expansive atmosphere. The verticality of the map, which required players to navigate a maze of buildings using the "Giant" helper, added a layer of puzzle-solving that was less prevalent in previous maps like Nuketown Zombies or Die Rise.
Mechanically, "Buried" introduced a revolutionary new buildable: the Trample Steam. This utility allowed players to launch themselves across gaps or zombies into traps, altering the flow of zombie hordes. Furthermore, the introduction of the Paralyzer weapon offered a powerful crowd-control tool that allowed for creative training strategies. The map also allowed players to bank points (in-game currency) via a giant safe, a feature that mitigated the frustration of losing progress on early rounds, making it more accessible to casual players while still offering the "Easter Egg" quest complexity for hardcore fans. The resolution of the Maxis vs. Richtofen storyline choices within this map added significant weight to player actions, integrating gameplay with narrative consequence.
Conclusion
The Call of Duty: Black Ops II Vengeance DLC pack represents a high watermark in the franchise's downloadable content history. It avoided the pitfalls of map packs that rely solely on re-skins or repetitive layouts. Instead, it delivered a curated experience: Cove and Rush satisfied the arcade-shooter demographic, Detour offered tactical depth, and Uplink bridged the gap between the franchise’s past and future. Meanwhile, "Buried" elevated the Zombies mode from a survival minigame into a complex narrative adventure with unique
Call of Duty: Black Ops II - Vengeance Pack DLC Review
The Vengeance Pack is the fifth and final DLC (Downloadable Content) package for Call of Duty: Black Ops II, released on August 27, 2013. This pack brings four new multiplayer maps, a new zombie map, and some additional content to the game. But does it live up to expectations?
Multiplayer Maps:
The Vengeance Pack includes four new multiplayer maps:
All four maps are well-designed, with a good balance of open areas and tight spaces. They offer a lot of opportunities for strategic play and competitive matches.
Zombie Map: The Giant
The Vengeance Pack also includes a new zombie map, The Giant, set in a 1940s German-occupied France. This map takes place in a massive, abandoned bunker, with a unique layout that encourages teamwork and strategy. The map features a new zombie type, the Gorilla, which adds a fresh challenge to the game.
Additional Content:
The Vengeance Pack also includes:
Verdict:
The Vengeance Pack is a solid addition to Call of Duty: Black Ops II, offering a good balance of new multiplayer maps and a exciting zombie map. The maps are well-designed, and the new zombie type adds a fresh challenge to the game.
If you're a fan of Call of Duty: Black Ops II, the Vengeance Pack is definitely worth checking out. It offers a lot of new content to keep you engaged, and the maps are well-designed to provide hours of competitive play.
Score: 8/10
Recommendation: If you're a fan of Call of Duty: Black Ops II, or if you're looking for some new content to spice up your multiplayer experience, the Vengeance Pack is a great choice. However, if you're new to the game, you may want to consider purchasing the base game or a previous DLC pack for a more comprehensive experience.
The "Vengeance" pack!
The Vengeance Pack is a downloadable content (DLC) package for Call of Duty: Black Ops II, released on August 13, 2013. Here are some helpful details about it:
What's included:
The Vengeance Pack adds four new multiplayer maps to the game:
Additional content:
The Vengeance Pack also includes two new multiplayer modes:
Platforms and pricing:
The Vengeance Pack was available for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows. The pricing varied depending on the region and platform, but it was generally around $10-$15.
Reception:
The Vengeance Pack received positive reviews from critics and players, with praise for the new maps and gameplay modes.
I hope that helps! Do you have any specific questions about the Vengeance Pack or Black Ops II in general?
The Call of Duty: Black Ops II Vengeance DLC, released in 2013, is the third major content expansion for the game. It features a mix of competitive multiplayer arenas and a deep, story-driven Zombies experience. Multiplayer Maps
The pack includes four maps that vary in size and tactical gameplay: Call of Duty®: Black Ops II - Vengeance on Steam
The Vengeance DLC Pack for Call of Duty: Black Ops II was the third major expansion released for the game. It launched on July 2, 2013, for Xbox 360 and on August 1, 2013, for PlayStation 3 and PC. The pack features four competitive multiplayer maps and a major new Zombies experience. Multiplayer Maps
Cove: Set on a small, rocky island in the Indian Ocean, this map focuses on close-quarters combat around a crashed airplane.
Detour: Features a multi-level concrete suspension bridge in the U.S. East Coast, destroyed and filled with vehicles for cover.
Rush: A fast-paced, close-quarters map set in a commercial paintball arena with both indoor and outdoor sections.
Uplink: A reimagined version of the classic map "Summit" from the original Black Ops, set in a high-tech facility in the jungles of Myanmar. Buy Vengeance | Xbox
The story for the Call of Duty: Black Ops II Vengeance DLC centers on the Buried Zombies map, which serves as a major turning point in the game's overarching Zombies narrative. The "Buried" Zombies Storyline
Chronologically the last map on the original timeline, "Buried" concludes the story arc for the Victis crew—Misty, Marlton, Samuel Stuhlinger, and Russman.
The Journey: Following the events of Die Rise, the group travels from China to an underground Western mining town in Angola, Africa.
The Conflict: The group remains caught in a celestial battle between Dr. Ludvig Maxis and Edward Richtofen. Both entities attempt to manipulate the crew into activating a third and final "pylon" to gain total control over the Aether. Key Characters:
Arthur (The Giant): A massive, friendly inhabitant found in a jail cell who can be befriended with booze or candy to assist the players.
The Ghost: A spectral woman who haunts a mansion on the map and steals player points upon contact.
The Ending: Depending on whose side the players choose, the world is either destroyed by Maxis or Richtofen secures ultimate power. Multiplayer Map Context Buy Vengeance | Xbox
While Zombies stole the show, the multiplayer component of the Call of Duty Black Ops 2 II Vengeance Pack DLC offered four distinct battlegrounds that catered to every playstyle.
Vengeance introduced the Peacekeeper, the first (and only) DLC-exclusive weapon in Black Ops II. An SMG/AR hybrid, it offers low recoil, solid range, and a faster reload than most SMGs. While its damage is moderate (4–6 shots to kill), its accuracy and handling make it a versatile primary for mid-range engagements. It can be used in any multiplayer map (not just DLC maps) once the pack is owned, and it supports all attachment types, including the underbarrel grenade launcher. A welcome addition that shifted the SMG meta slightly toward control over raw fire rate.
Released on July 2, 2013 (Xbox 360 first, later PS3 and PC), Vengeance is the second downloadable content pack for Treyarch’s Call of Duty: Black Ops II. True to its name, the pack delivers a retaliatory strike of content: four new multiplayer maps, a bloody new bonus weapon, and a game-changing chapter in the Zombies saga. It’s a mixed bag of fan service, creative risks, and horror-tinged chaos. Raid : A close-quarters map set on a